In an effort to make jury service more convenient, efficient and accessible, a new jury management system will be in place Aug. 3 at Oakland County courts.

The new system replaces a largely paper-based process with a “secure, digital platform” to improve communication and streamline jury administration, officials said. Potential jurors will receive summonses as postcards rather than the traditional legal-sized paper summons, sent via U.S. mail. The postcards won’t have any confidential or personal information but will have instructions to access the Jury Management System where summons information can be reviewed and required steps can be completed online.

The new system is optimized for mobile devices, officials said, and allow summoned jurors to:

• Respond to their jury summons online using a smartphone, tablet or computer
• Securely upload supporting documentation directly from their mobile device
• Receive important communications through email and text message
• Access an automated phone system for jury information and assistance
• Utilize convenient self-service features that allow them to manage their jury service when it best fits their schedule and lifestyle

“Jury service is one of the most important ways citizens participate in our justice system. By implementing this new Jury Management System, we are modernizing the way we communicate with jurors and making the process more accessible, convenient and responsive to the needs of today’s community,” Chief Judge Jeffery Matis stated in a news release.

“Whether someone chooses to respond from a smartphone, tablet, or computer, this new system provides a secure, user-friendly experience while preserving the integrity and fairness of the jury process.”

Citizens who receive a postcard jury summons are urged to carefully read instructions and follow directions for responding through the new system.

More jury service information is available from the county’s jury office at OaklandJury@oakgov.com.